Sheffield United: Harry Chapman can be a star for Blades, says Chris Wilder

Sheffield United midfielder Harry Chapman has a bright future at Bramall Lane despite struggling for first team opportunities since leaving Middlesbrough on loan, manager Chris Wilder insists.

Chapman, who was last week named in the England under-20 squad which faces Holland, Germany and the USA later this month, had been set to make his sixth appearance for the League One club against Walsall tomorrow before being called-up by Young Lions coach Aidy Boothroyd.

Harry Chapman of Sheffield Utd during the Skybet League One match at Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood. Picture date: October 1st, 2016. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage

With five of those coming from the bench, Chapman’s career at Bramall Lane has so far been a slowburn but Wilder said: “When you come into a club, it can take you time to find your feet, especially the size of our club, and he has found it a little bit of a struggle to get opportunities. The reason for that is we have been winning games.

“I want all the players to be pushing. One of the things we thought we didn’t have in the squad, was someone who could pick the ball up and take players out of the game.

“We have quality players at the top of the pitch, good technical players - like Mark Duffy who passes and moves the ball around - but we didn’t have an out-and-out player who can go past people. Harry can do that.”

Chapman could win his second cap for the under-20’s when they face Holland at Boundary Park tomorrow. Boothroyd’s players, including former United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, then host Germany at John Smith’s Stadium on Friday before concluding the tournament against the USA at Spotland three days later.